Is a Pedestal Sink Right For Your Bathroom?

What it lacks in storage space a pedestal sink makes up for
in good looks and high style. The small-bowl pedestals are a good choice in a
powder room because they take up little floor space, and the wider console
styles with a basin ledge for toiletries make a handsome addition to anyone's
bathroom. Assuming you're replacing a wall-mounted sink, installing a pedestal
sink is relatively easy. You can hook the new sink up to the old plumbing.

The old pipes that may be hidden inside a vanity are exposed
under a pedestal sink, so if the pipes are rusty, consider replacing the short
sections of pipe with new chrome pipes and a new trap assembly. You can save
some money by cleaning up the pipes and painting them. At the same time,
appraise the condition of the wall and make any necessary repairs, because it
will be clearly visible, no longer hidden by the old sink.

Before you purchase a new pedestal
sink, you’ll want to remove the old sink and measure the location of the
plumbing lines so that you can choose a new pedestal sink that matches up with
them. To get these rough-in dimensions, make a sketch of the wall and note the
following measurements:

Distance
from the floor (or wall) to where the drain enters the wall (or floor)

Distance
between the floor and water supply pipes

Distance
right to left from each water supply pipe to the drain

Sit on the floor with the sketch in hand and try to
visualize how the back of the pedestal sink matches up with the supply lines.
Also, check the specifications and rough-in dimensions for the sink. One way to
do this is find some sinks that you like at a bath center; note the
manufacturer, style, and model number; and then visit the manufacturer's Web
site. Most manufacturers provide specifications and rough-in dimensions online
for you to access, so making the decision of what fits and what doesn’t is
easy.

Of course, a knowledgeable salesperson in a bath center or a
plumber can help you do the same thing, assuming that you have your sketch with
you and your measurements are correct.

How a pedestal sink is installed varies by its style and
manufacturer. Some use a wall bracket, and others are secured directly to the
wall with lag screws or toggle bolts through holes in the back of the bowl.
Most rest on the pedestal but get major support from the wall mounting. The
instructions in the following sections are for installing a pedestal sink with
a mounting bracket. The project involves completing several individual tasks
and then connecting everything together. The faucet, drain, and pop-up assembly
are purchased separately. Before you install the pedestal sink, preinstall the
drain, the pop-up assembly, and the faucet.